For example:

• Delete's should have confirms.
• Confirmations should be green.
• Prefer list-of-values over free text whenever possible.

This was just a sample. I am looking for references that simply and clearly list common 'should do's' in terms of ui, interactions and usability.

My company is new to software development and they keep getting suprised by contractors that don't do the obvious so I am looking for good references about the right way to do it and the basic things to always consider (like the above). Obviously style is subjects, but things like delete confirms shouldn't be.